THE new Wimberry Bridge and a new Verderers' Trail at the Cannop Cycle Centre have been officially opened with a fanfare and a display of clog-dancing.

The Centre also took the opportunity to celebrate many new additions and refurbishments to the facilities developed over the past year, funded through the 1 South West Project.

The changes include new trails and new features for existing trails, new signage and a complete car park

refurbishment.

Guests were welcomed by Phil Morton, Forestry head of recreation and public affairs for the West of England.

Some £100,000 of European funding was spent making the busy bicycle crossing safer with a bridge over the Cannop Road, close to the Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre.

At the project launch Phil Morton heralded "a safe and peaceful, and a more relaxed, entry to the Forest."

Her Majesty's Verderers officially opened the new Verderers' Trail while Tim Rollinson, director general of the Forestry Commission GB, cut the ribbon to officially open the new Wimberry Bridge and other facilities.